Malaysia and Singapore (Defence Arrangements) (Hansard, 19 April 1971)

§ Lord Balniel

Ministers of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and this country met in London on 15th and 16th April and agreed upon the main framework of the five-Power defence arrangements which will come into effect on 1st November, 1971. The meeting also gave approval to the establishment of the integrated air defence system on 1st September, 1971, and the establishment of an Air Defence Council to be responsible for its functioning. They agreed that a council should be set up for the purpose of regular consultation at the senior official level on matters relating to the defence arrangements.

The text of the communique issued after the meeting is as follows:

1. Ministers of the Governments of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom met in London on 15th and 16th April, 1971, in order to consider matters of common interest to all five Governments relating to the external defence of Malaysia and Singapore.

2. The Ministers of the five Governments affirmed, as the basic principles of their discussions, their continuing determination to work together for peace and stability, their respect for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all countries, and their belief in the settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means in accord- 348W ante with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

3. In the context of their Government's determination to continue to co-operate closely in defence arrangements which are based on the need to regard the defence of Malaysia and Singapore as indivisible, the Ministers noted with gratification the development of the defence capability of Malaysia and Singapore, to which the other three Governments had given assistance, and the decisions of the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, which had been welcomed by the other two Governments, to continue to station forces there after the end of 1971.

4. In discussing the contribution which each of the five Governments would make to defence arrangements in Malaysia and Singapore, the Ministers noted the view of the United Kingdom Government that the nature of its commitment under the Anglo-Malaysian Defence Agreement required review and that that Agreement should be replaced by new political arrangements. They declared that their Governments would continue to co-operate, in accordance with their respective policies, in the field of defence after the termination of the Agreement on 1st November, 1971.

5. The Ministers also declared, in relation to the external defence of Malaysia and Singapore, that in the event of any form of armed attack externally organised or supported or the threat of such attack against Malaysia or Singapore, their Governments would immediately consult together for the purpose of deciding what measures should be taken jointly or separately in relation to such attack or threat.

6. The Ministers reviewed the progress made regarding the establishment of the new defence arrangements. In particular:

(a) They welcomed the practical steps being taken to establish the Integrated Air Defence System for Malaysia and Singapore on 1st September, 1971.
(b) They agreed to establish an Air Defence Council, comprising one senior representative of each of the five nations, to be responsible for the functioning of the Integrated Air Defence System, and to provide direction to the Commander of the Integrated Air Defence System on matters affecting the organisation, training and development and operational readiness of the System.
(c) They noted the progress made by the Five Power Naval Advisory Working Group.
(d) They decided to set up a Joint Consultative Council to provide a forum for regular consultation at the senior official level on matters relating to the defence arrangements.

Ministers also noted that further discussion would take place between Governments on the practical arrangements required for the accommodation and facilities for the A.N.Z.U.K. forces to be stationed in the area. They looked forward to the early and successful conclusion of these discussions as an essential 349W basis for the completion of plans for the new defence arrangements.

7. The Ministers agreed that from time to time it might be appropriate for them to meet to discuss their common interests. It would also be open to any of the participating Governments to request at any time, with due notice, a meeting to review these defence arrangements.